By DREW DENNIS/For the Reporter

Briarwood took down John Carroll Oct. 25, 26-6, in a game that was a tale of two halves; the first was a defensive battle with each team punting back and forth, and the second a runaway win for the Lions.

Both teams had chances to score each missing on their one field goal attempt. Neither team was able to make it into the
opponents red zone in the first half and went into the locker room tied at 0-0.

The second half looked as if it would have the same storyline as each team had a three and out with their first possession but Briarwood finally opened up the scoreboard with their second drive of the second half.  After a short punt by the Cavaliers, the Lions started on their opponent’s 35-yard line.  Four plays and one minute later Briarwood scores on Walker Lott’s 11-yard touchdown run with 9:01 left in the third quarter.  The PAT was no good as Briarwood took a 6-0 lead.

Briarwood’s defense forced another three and out by John Carroll and received the ball on their own 40-yard line.  Briarwood’s offense woke up when Walker Lott connected with Justin Hild on a 60 yard touchdown strike on their first play of the drive.  The two-point conversion was no good, making it 12-0 Briarwood with 6:25 left in the third quarter.

Briarwood’s defense once again stepped up big with another Cavalier’s three and out and the Briarwood offense saw their chance to open up the game.  Briarwood didn’t miss out on the opportunity and put together a six play drive for 71 yards capped off on Walker Lott’s 16-yard touchdown run.  The PAT made the score 19-0 Briarwood.

John Carroll was finally able to find the scoreboard late in the third quarter on a screen pass from Riley Mara to Michael Hankes for 55 yards and after a blocked PAT cut the deficit to two scores.  19-6 Briarwood with 0:49 left in the third quarter.

John Carroll’s defense came up with a stop but was unable to put together anything on offense, and was forced to punt to Briarwood with 10:42 left in the game.  Briarwood answered with a quick score taking under a minute and going 61 yards capped off by Victor Jerald’s 1-yard touchdown run giving the game it’s final score of 26-6.

The Lions move to 7-2 on the season, and 6-1 in region play. Briarwood will finish up the regular season at home against Pinson Valley Nov 1.